"Pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users will see more investment in this capital program that addresses their needs."

WAY TO GO! Investment in transit, pedestrian and bicycle projects will grow in 2014 as a percentage of overall capital spending on transportation, according to an analysis by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a transit advocacy group. This Newark City Subway train, operated by NJ Transit, pulled into a station last year. Frank H. Conlon/For The Star-Ledger

A transit advocacy group says state spending on transportation projects is moving in what it says is the right direction, with transit, pedestrian and bicycle-related projects accounting for a greater percentage of overall spending.

An analysis by the Manhattan-based Tri-State Transportation Campaign of total spending under the 2014 capital plans for the New Jersey Department of Transportation and NJ Transit found that transit projects accounted for just over 39 percent of all spending, compared with just over 37 percent in 2013.

The analysis, released Wednesday, also found that combined spending on bicycle and pedestrian projects rose to 2.8 percent of all transportation spending under the 2014 capital plans, versus 2.1 percent in 2013.

“Pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users will see more investment in this capital program that addresses their needs," Veronica Vanterpool, the group's executive director, said in a statement.

But the conclusions of the group were not all positive. For example, the analysis found that spending on bike and pedestrian projects paled when viewed in light of figures revealing that pedestrian deaths made up more than a quarter of all transportation-related fatalities.

"It's not a perfect science," said Janna Chernetz, the group's New Jersey advocate, referring to the relationship between spending and safety. But, she added, "You assume that when you spend money on pedestrians, it's going be for their safety."